We were gone most of this spring. When we got home, it was well past planting season but I couldn’t resist. I dug up part of the yard and put seed down anyway.
The squirrels made off with the sunflower seed sprouts right away. Since then, I’ve been watching the corn come up. It has been fun watching sprouts push and break through the soil. The stalks and leaves came and have gotten to be a little more substantial.
My family has been amused at my attempt since the short growing season will not yield a lot of corn. But still, it’s been a lot of fun.
There was a time less than a century ago when most of us were farmers. I love to hear my parents talk about those days. We go back now and then to see the place, the ranch and farm where they were raised.
I know that I won’t get corn this year. Given the late start and the water situation, I’ve seriously considered digging it up. But it given me such pleasure I haven’t done it yet. God must be like that. He knows we’re not much fruit bearing; but our worship must delight him. That’s what he said to do after all.
As soon as winter arrives, you should start thinking about your outdoor space and what you can do to improve your garden for better next year. This is the time to think about getting rid of old furniture and flower pots that have seen better days and what new plants and flowers will look best in your garden. Your outdoor space is an extension of your home, which is why you need to make sure that it looks picture-perfect. With the right tips, you can improve your garden and make sure that it looks breathtaking next year. Here are 10 things to do to improve your garden and give it a whole new look:
1. Decorate Your Boundaries
Now, the first thing to think about: how do your boundaries look? By looking out of your windows and considering what is out there, you can decide if your boundaries look good as they are or can be made to look more pleasing. If it is a boring old fence or wall, you can use imagination and give it a makeover with wood treatment or spraying it with some paint to give it a nice color.
2. Plan Your Garden Borders
This is another good time to start thinking about garden borders. Did you really think they looked good this summer or did you keep them around for sentimental reasons? If you are not sure, it is best to start anew and freshen up the soil and get in some new bulbs too. Look around for ideas on how to plant a garden border.
3. Prune Your Trees and Shrub
You can create a new look for your garden without spending a fortune by pruning and training your trees and shrubs. Keep in mind that these plants should be compatible, so that the look you create has coherence. You should consider the options you have for seasonal changes such as color, leaf textures and shape, blossoming flowers as well as fruits and berries and then create the new look. Try out using playground turf if you are looking to save on maintenance.
4. Choose Pots and Containers Carefully
Every garden needs pots and containers and make sure that you always choose big ones for yours. Plants need a lot of space for roots as well as water and wind stability. There are many options when it comes to pots and containers; you can go for galvanized ones or coopered wooden ones that have steel banks. Italian terracotta also looks great. High-quality pots and containers are worth the money you spend as they can last years.
5. Make a Veggie or Herb Beds
There is nothing like picking food from your own garden and it is quite easy to make veggie or herb table beds. They are also manageable and easy to move when you need to. Remember to use netting to protect your table beds. You may also consider building an outdoor kitchen. A pizza oven is a great option as it can also be used as a fireplace when you are not cooking.
